Arthritis In Back

Winkk · ‎03-15-2010

I've had scoliosis of the spine for quite some time but over the past few weeks I have been having excruciating pain that would run down my leg. I knew I had an arthritic sciatic joint but this pain was the worse. Had an MRI on Monday and it shows I have bad arthritis in my lumbar back.

Went to see my orthopedic today and he is referring me to a pain management doctor. I was wondering if any of you have had experience with a pain management doc? Were they able to help with your problem? Has your pain been relieved?

Thanks.

Still Raining · ‎03-30-2014

I have a different sort of problem, but pain management can help.

Assume you have done evaluations with all your other specialists too? If not, get some referrals. Ortho may not be a complete work up.

Be ready to do some work and do keep up with your PT and OT.

For me, I was eventually placed in a chronic pain clinic. After a year or so, pain is a mind game. They will help.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

I also have arthritis in my back along with stenosis. I have been extensively treated by two pain mgmt specialists. I had injections, tried every treatment they suggested, took medications they recommended and nothing helped in the slightest. Surgery is not an option.

I can only stand a few minutes until I'm in extreme pain so it's hard to manage a home and live a normal life, go places and do things. No shopping, for instance as I can't browse. I do have a mobility scooter for outside use but it's inoperable half the time. I don't get a lot done or have much fun.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

Texas Gray Wolf · ‎06-10-2015

I too have scoliosis.....went to a chiropractor starting in my early 30's....he really helped me for a while but as i got older, the arthritis set in....he has done acupuncture which helps at times. I've also experenced pain in the hips and down my legs plus my neck gives me a fit. I'm in my early 60's now and suffer from stiffness along with constant pain. I also cannot stand for long periods of time and those days of hours of shopping in stores are no more. I miss going for walks expecially since I retired.

decaf · ‎05-13-2021

I've had to go to a pain management doctor for many years. I think most were born with a needle in their hand, they love to give shots. Unfortunately, these cortisone shots can have bad side effects, some long term. You may want to google about that.

Studies have proven many male pain docs are unduly dismissive and skeptical of women in pain. They misprescribe, giving antidepressants instead of pain meds. If you have trouble establishing a good relationship with the doc, don't wait, find another one. I have a new female pain doc , I wish I would have changed 4 years ago.

Regarding any treatment they suggest (meds, PT,shots,etc), ask them for all your options and also the possible short term and long term side effects. Also, what you should expect to get out of the treatment! If they use a surgical center (for shots and other procedures) get all your costs upfront, be sure they get your insurance approval upfront, it can be expensive. I hope this may help, I know it's scary. Please tag me here if you have any other questions. I hope it goes well for you.

Winkk · ‎03-15-2010

@decaf wrote:
I've had to go to a pain management doctor for many years. I think most were born with a needle in their hand, they love to give shots. Unfortunately, these cortisone shots can have bad side effects, some long term. You may want to google about that.

Studies have proven many male pain docs are unduly dismissive and skeptical of women in pain. They misprescribe, giving antidepressants instead of pain meds. If you have trouble establishing a good relationship with the doc, don't wait, find another one. I have a new female pain doc , I wish I would have changed 4 years ago.

Regarding any treatment they suggest (meds, PT,shots,etc), ask them for all your options and also the possible short term and long term side effects. Also, what you should expect to get out of the treatment! If they use a surgical center (for shots and other procedures) get all your costs upfront, be sure they get your insurance approval upfront, it can be expensive. I hope this may help, I know it's scary. Please tag me here if you have any other questions. I hope it goes well for you.

Thanks @decaf. You raised a lot of good points

I would not have thought about.

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

Yes indeed! I've had chronic pain from different things for 20 years. I spinal stenosis anf and a cervical neck disc problem. I'm in pain 24/7. I saw a pain specialist a few years ago and she did spinal injections every 4 months. That relieved much of the pain for 3 months. She also prescribed Neurontin 2 to 3 times a day. 300mg capsules. I was doing fairly well until Covid struck. The hospital was not doing spinal injections for a year because they are elective procedures. My pain control doc told me to take 3 neurontin and Tylenol. I can't take motrin due to my blood pressure but if the pain is really bad, she said take it along with Tylenol. All that dulls the pain enough so I can push it out of my mind and I sleep well. But now that we are back to normal, I want the injections again. I put in the request for visit with a pain control doctor online, I'm waiting for a call from them. We go on vacation in August and I don't want to be in a lot of pain. I'm 60 and I have had some type of pain for 40 years.

ALRATIBA · ‎07-15-2016

@Winkk

My doc sent me to pain management doc for sciatica that I developed after a rather bad fall. (3 days in hospital)

Pain Mgmt Doc gave me a prescription of physcal therapy. He recommended Tylenol, hot or cold compresses (whichever worked best), and lidocaine patches. And - most important - remain actve.

Pain never goes away completely - like everything else - you learn to tolerate it. I have a rather high pain threshold - so the pain really hasn't interfered with my lifestyle. If necessary - get yourself a cane or walker.

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

My DH gets very painful sciatica flare ups, he has done his research and has taught himself the proper exercises, and has learned to cure the flares on his own. He suffers for a while, but in time all the pain subsides.

Winkk · ‎03-15-2010

@chrystaltree wrote:
Yes indeed! I've had chronic pain from different things for 20 years. I spinal stenosis anf and a cervical neck disc problem. I'm in pain 24/7. I saw a pain specialist a few years ago and she did spinal injections every 4 months. That relieved much of the pain for 3 months. She also prescribed Neurontin 2 to 3 times a day. 300mg capsules. I was doing fairly well until Covid struck. The hospital was not doing spinal injections for a year because they are elective procedures. My pain control doc told me to take 3 neurontin and Tylenol. I can't take motrin due to my blood pressure but if the pain is really bad, she said take it along with Tylenol. All that dulls the pain enough so I can push it out of my mind and I sleep well. But now that we are back to normal, I want the injections again. I put in the request for visit with a pain control doctor online, I'm waiting for a call from them. We go on vacation in August and I don't want to be in a lot of pain. I'm 60 and I have had some type of pain for 40 years.

I feel so bad for you @chrystaltree . I really need to find the thing that works for me, but I haven't yet. Middle of the night seems when it flares up for some reason.